FAQS

Dealing with the confusion and uncertainty after an injury can add even more frustration to an already overwhelming situation.

We know suffering a serious accident is difficult to cope with. At the Chris Mayo Law Firm, we can help you in the aftermath. From how you can pay for your medical expenses to working with you to understand what legal options are available, we have the expertise to help. These frequently asked questions will help you in your journey to get your life back.

If you don’t see the information you need or you’d like to speak directly with a member of our legal staff, please contact us by calling (210) 999-9999.

When surgery does not go as planned, the results can be devastating. Depending on your particular circumstances, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Injuries from a surgical procedure, surgeon or attendant errors, or being put in danger in any way, could cause a medical professional to be responsible for medical malpractice. The medical practitioners in question could be ordered to compensate you for any expenses that you have incurred because of surgical complications.

What if I had a dangerous drug reaction?

Pharmaceutical products can cause patients to encounter dangerous reactions. Any potential dangers should be made absolutely clear to a consumer through labeling and an initial pharmacist consultation. If you have been injured because of a pharmaceutical error, then you could be entitled to receive compensation from the party at fault. To learn more about holding the person responsible accountable for their negligence, call us to discuss your situation.

Was a hospital negligent in my case?

Hospital negligence is a very serious threat to patients across the country. This type of negligence can take numerous forms, but commonly occurs when a practitioner disregards the needs or safety of a patient. Additional forms of hospital negligence can include: poor hiring decisions, misfiling of patient paperwork, misdiagnosis, and others. If you think that you have been the victim of hospital negligence, call us to discuss your case.

If fire safety was disregarded and I was injured, do I have a claim?

Probably. Premises liability includes cases of fires on public and/or private properties that were caused by a property owner or manager regarding basic fire safety regulations. If a property owner failed to make the property safe in the event of a fire and you were injured as a result, then you are likely eligible to file a claim. The best way to determine whether you are eligible is to speak with a lawyer from the Chris Mayo Law Firm.

How do I know when I should file a product liability claim?

If a product is dangerous in any way and caused you injury or illness as a result, then you could receive financial compensation. Texas has strict liability regarding product liability claims, meaning that a manufacturer, distributor, or designer can be held liable for the injuries caused by a product. If you have suffered harm as a result of a product, you should explore your options for filing a product liability lawsuit.

Do I need physical evidence of a car accident to win?

Not always. Many people worry that they have to have pictures of an accident to prove that an accident occurred, but this is not always true. You will likely need to show other types of proof that the accident occurred and the other party is at fault, such as a receipt for maintenance or repairs, hospital bills, witness testimony, or police reports. Having physical evidence of an accident, such as pictures, can help your claim, but it’s not required to receive financial compensation. Discuss your situation and any evidence you have with our attorneys.

Will I have to testify in court?

Depending on your case, some people who are filing personal injury claims will have to provide testimony in court, but you might not have to. It depends on the claim that you’re making against the defendant and other particulars of the case. If you are asked to give personal testimony, your attorney can certainly walk you through what this process will be like and prepare you for the experience. To get a better understanding of whether or not you will be expected to testify and what else might be expected of you, speak with one of our lawyers

What questions should I ask a potential attorney in our first meeting?

There are many questions that you could ask an attorney upon first meeting him or her, but the sheer number of possibilities can be overwhelming. Some questions that you may want to consider asking at the beginning in order to get a better feel for an attorney include:

Have you won cases like mine in the past? How many?

What are your fees? Do they change if we don’t win?

How can I reach you during the case itself?

What do you expect of clients during the case?

These questions can give you a good sense of an attorney’s ability to meet your needs and will naturally lead to other, more specific questions regarding the claim that you’re making.

How much compensation can I expect?

The amount of compensation that a person receives upon winning a personal injury case varies. Compensation is determined based on the losses and expenses a victim has suffered. Medical bill costs, future expenses, lost wates, and whether or not quality of life has been impacted all determine compensation. By speaking with one of our experienced attorneys, you’ll have a better understanding of the amount of compensation you should expect.

How long will my claim take?

It can vary from claim to claim. For instance, a case in which a defendant argues against the claims, stating he or she is not responsible, will likely take much longer than when a defendant is willing to settle. Additionally, the need to investigate the claim, look for witnesses, and other legal processes will vary in length from case to case. The best way to get an estimate of how long your case could take is to speak with one of our legal professionals.

If my child was injured at school, what can I do?

Because we count on the responsibility and dutifulness of school teachers and administrators to ensure our children’s safety, it’s reasonable to expect compensation if your child suffers injury at school. You may be able to file a personal injury claim against the school, a particular teacher, or even a supervisor if that person was negligent in watching your child or allowed unsafe activities to occur resulting in your child’s injury.

Should I just pay for the costs of my injuries myself if I’m able to?

If someone else caused your injury, you shouldn’t have to! It may seem easier to pay for your injury costs if you have the ability to do so, but if someone else was responsible for causing your injury or illness, no matter how minor, then that person should be held accountable for his or her actions. The costs of a personal injury can be enormous, not to mention the long-term harm they can cause.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

While both the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs provide financial support for individuals suffering from disabilities, the eligibility requirements for these programs vary considerably. SSDI eligibility is generally dependent on the disabled individual’s prior work experience, with certain exceptions, while SSI eligibility is typically tied to an individual’s financial status, as it is intended to provide support for low-income individuals and families who also have disabilities.

If I was bitten by a dog, am I entitled to pursue compensation from its owner?

Unlike many states, Texas law does not confer strict liability on pet owners if their pet bites someone else. However, it is often possible for those who have been the victims of a dog bite or other animal attack to seek compensation for the injuries and losses they have suffered. One of our experienced attorneys can help you more fully understand whether or not you may have a claim under Texas law.

What is informed consent?

Informed consent is a legal term that is particular in medical malpractice cases. When a doctor proposes a course of treatment to a patient, whether it is simply a prescription medication or a surgical procedure, they must obtain the patient’s informed consent to undergo the proposed course. In order for consent to be fully informed, patients must be made aware of any potential dangers to their health that they may face as a result of their treatment. Otherwise, doctors could be liable for any injuries or harm that occurs as a result.

How can an attorney help me?

If you have been the victim of a serious injury, you may need substantial compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses that you may be dealing with in addition to the psychological and emotional trauma you may have experienced. However, getting compensation for these issues on your own can be extremely difficult. With an attorney’s past experience and knowledge of the law, he or she can better navigate the legal process, and help you pursue the compensation you need. Get in touch with one of our attorneys for help.

If I was partially at fault for the accident in which my injury occurred, can I still pursue compensation?

Under Texas law, individuals who are partially to blame for their own injuries may still be able to receive compensation for their losses. However, depending on the extent to which they were responsible for causing their own injuries, they may forfeit their right to legal action. An experienced attorney can help you to better understand whether you may still be able to pursue compensation for your injury. Get in touch with us to learn more.